USM Undergoes AACCUP First Survey Visit for Five Academic Programs
October 26, 2026
TUGBOK DISTRICT, DAVAO CITY — To jointly celebrate Indigenous Peoples (IP) Month, IP students from the University of Southern Mindanao (USM), together with the Bagobo-Tagabawa of Makilala and Bagobo-Klata of Davao City, gathered for the first-ever Indigenous Peoples Cultural Festival organized by CAMP Asia on October 23, 2026, at Bartolome Integrated School in Manuel Guianga, Tugbok District, Davao City.
In her welcome remarks, Ms. Youjung Lee, CAMP Asia Senior Manager, underscored the importance of preserving indigenous heritage and strengthening community ties among the youth.
“I appreciate all your participation and I hope each of us can bring something meaningful not just for fun, but to convey a message that our culture and identity should be passed down to our younger generations,” she said.
The festival featured traditional games (katutubong laro) competitions such as karang, kadang-kadang, tug-of-war, and siklot. Another highlight of the festival was a poster-making contest using indigenous materials and a mobile photography contest. The day-long activity concluded with teams presenting their cultural dances, songs, and poetry.
Supporting the initiative, Datu Mariano Daug, Tribal Chieftain of Manuel Guianga, eyes a continued celebration next year to further showcase the rich cultural traditions and unity of different tribes in the region.
“Isa kini nga hinungdan sa mas colorful nato nga pag-celebrate sa IP Month. Magapadayon ta sa pagtabang sa atong mga kaigsuunan nga nagkalahi-lahi nga tribu sa Mindanao. Mabuhay ang mga Indigenous Peoples!”
The initiative, held in partnership with CAMP Asia and the Inter-Cultural Organizations’ Network for Solidarity and Peace (ICON-SP), was participated in by IP students from Bartolome Integrated School, Tamayong Elementary School, Malasila National Vocational Technological High School, Makilala Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), and the University of Southern Mindanao (USM).
The USM delegation also included Prof. Sarah Jane C. Guerrero (USMIPA Adviser), Ms. Ritchel O. Torres (Training Specialist II), and Mr. Jimwell P. Pande (Extension Editor and Staff).
Further bolstering its initiatives through its established partnerships, the university remains committed to empowering Indigenous Peoples student-scholars and promoting inclusive development across IP communities in Mindanao.
